Links
Who are we and what are our aims?
We are not sure, opinions seem to differ. There are probably as many aims of CM as there are participants. Each individual comes there with his or her own idea of what it's about, and the sum of this makes up the Mass. We have no organisers and no planned routes.
Critical Mass achieved its international name following the first ever ride in San Francisco back in 1992, where it was christened 'Commute Clot'. It was then "noted that, in China both motorists and bicyclists had an understood method of negotiating intersections without signals. Traffic would "bunch up" at these intersections until the back log reached a "critical mass" at which point that mass would move through the intersection".
The London monthly rides started in April 1994. 1995-96 reports. Videos from the 90s. It isn't just for cyclists, sometimes there are wheelchairers, skateboarders, roller bladers, roller skaters and other self-propelled people. Cycle sound systems often play music on the ride. To find out more about Critical Mass checkout the links on the left.
News
London CM June 2009.
Usual confrontations with impatient drivers. Several cyclists rammed. Two car cops gave a rider a fixed penalty notice for going through a red light. At Hyde Park Corner a woman cop threatened a corker with arrest for obstructing the highway. There was a serious altercation in Oxford Street between some car occupants and riders. Allegedly a woman was punched.
Several circuits of Parliament Square. A pleasant stop at Buckingham Palace and finally a bike-high and sit-down on London Bridge.
More ticketing on NYC CM May 2009 ride.
Following the lawsuit against NYPD by bicycling groups the police were out in force again for the May CM and ticketed several riders and a videographer was harassed by them. Report with videos.
London CM May 2009.
Large ride estimated to be over 1,000. Got splintered but joined up again. Some police silliness and ramming by road-ragers again. Lots of sunshine. Reports. Report with pics. Video.
Videos
When and Where?
The London Mass meets at 6.00pm on the last Friday of every month on the South Bank under Waterloo Bridge, by the National Film Theatre. Photos. Map.
Next ride July 31st 2009. Weather.
Other Events
(Note. Not to be confused with the regular monthly London CM event).
bikesnotcars am*dam july3,4,5 In the weekend of july 4th we declare a war on cars. In this weekend there will be a bike festival in Amsterdam. On different locations events, workshops, info stands, fun & games, parties, and direct actions to block and frustrate the traffic will be held. More.
London Bikeathon volunteers needed. Sunday 19th July. Help raise vital funds to save and improve the lives of people with leukaemia, lymphoma and all blood cancers. Website.
SE London Critical Mass. First Friday of every month meet 6.30pm outside Peckham Library.
